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4 Telltale Signs of an Unhappy Cat

Is there anything better than being greeted by a soft “meow!” when you walk in the door from work? At Wapiti Labs, we’re passionate about supporting your pet’s health so you can have as many of those happy moments with her as possible. With proper care and plenty of love and attention, your feline friend can live a healthy, happy life for years to come. But even cats who are well taken care of can develop health issues, due to their genetics, lifestyle, and other environmental factors. That’s why we created this guide to help you identify some common signs of unhappiness in cats.

Watch for These Symptoms

Each of these potential symptoms can hint at an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed—but they might also be a perfectly natural part of your cat’s behavior or have some kind of external explanation. Be sure to observe your kitty closely to determine what’s normal for him, and what might be a change in behavior.

1. Lethargy

Cats sleep for about fifteen hours each day to conserve their energy and be awake and alert at their peak activity times of dusk and dawn. That might seem like a huge amount of time to spend asleep, but it’s perfectly average for felines. Lethargy, on the other hand, goes beyond sleepiness to a state of fatigue, sluggishness, and inactivity. If you notice your cat acting uncharacteristically tired for more than a day, you should take a trip to the veterinarian to rule out issues like anemia or depression.

2. Lack of Appetite

Each cat has specific dietary needs. One may need more food than another in order to maintain the same level of health. Familiarize yourself with your cat’s eating habits, and be on the lookout for changes in appetite. When a cat stops eating, his body quickly begins to rely on fat reserves for energy. If this continues, his body can begin to fail. Lack of appetite hints at a variety of underlying issues, from emotional to physical. The problem might be something as simple as nervousness after a change in environment, or as complex as an illness like cancer.

3. Restlessness

You know your cat’s personality best, so keep an eye out for changes in her daily behavior. That could mean anything from an unusual abundance of energy and excessive vocalizing to constant grooming. A restless cat sometimes just needs more exercise or enrichment, so try introducing a new toy or other method of enrichment to your kitty. If the unusual behavior continues, you should touch base with your veterinarian to figure out what may be behind it.

4. Hair Loss

Hair loss, or alopecia, is a more obvious sign that something is going on with your kitty, but it may not be indicative of a deeper issue. Genetics play a role here—hair loss can be hereditary in cats, just as it is in humans. In that case, you may notice your kitten losing hair, or beginning to bald once she hits adult age. While a thinning coat can be hereditary, it may also be a symptom of illness. Nutritional deficiencies, fungal infections, and skin trauma like burns can all cause hair loss.

Addressing the Signs of Unhappiness

Recognizing that something is wrong with your kitty is the first step towards helping her get back to her healthy self. Here are some tips for what to do when you notice a sign of unhappiness.

Visit Your Vet

Your feline friend’s health and safety are of the utmost importance, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Don’t hesitate to take a trip to the vet if something seems “off” about your cat’s behavior—even if you can’t pinpoint exactly what’s wrong. Your vet can run tests to determine the source of your cat’s unhappiness and come up with a plan to get him healthy again.

Invest in Supplements

Consider introducing a supplement to promote your cat’s well-being. Wapiti Labs creates herbal supplements specially formulated to support the health of pets. Natural ingredients like elk velvet antler help to promote and support your cat’s bodily functions. You may find them effective for easing a variety of issues in your kitty, from seasonal allergies to general discomfort. Just be sure to check with your vet before introducing a supplement to your cat’s routine!

Supporting Happy Cats with Wapiti

At Wapiti Labs, we’re dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets. We’ve been doing it for decades! Instead of addressing health problems as they arise, keep your pet in peak physical condition with the help of our natural herbal supplements. Our range of products is formulated to support healthy bodily functions in dogs and cats. Feel free to contact us with any questions—we look forward to helping your pet live a healthy and happy life!